The Bracketology Report: Western Michigan

Editor's note: Each week Bracketology Insider will take an in-depth look at teams headed for the NCAA Tournament ... or not.

Week in review
Streaking Western Michigan (No. 38 RPI, No. 211 SOS) continued to play well last week, posting victories over IPFW (No. 234 RPI, No. 36 SOS) on Wednesday and Eastern Michigan (No. 286 RPI, No. 279 SOS) on Saturday to run its winning streak to 11 straight, the school's longest in 28 years.

In its 77-48 stomping of non-conference (and independent) foe IPFW in Kalamazoo, the Broncos took advantage of a career-high 19 points from reserve senior Reggie Barry, as well as atrocious shooting from the thoroughly outclassed Mastadons. Returning to MAC play with a road game against Eastern Michigan, the Broncos faced what should have been an equally modest test. But in a contest marked by lopsided runs for each team, WMU coughed up nearly all of a 20-point lead before hitting its foul shots to seal the win.

East Division-leading Kent will have had a week to stew in the sour juices of its first conference loss, so the Broncos will have to be wary. Ball State is shaping up to be a divisional contender; the Cardinals have played some tough non-conference games and should be stoked for their visit to WMU on Saturday.

Ohio appears to be still finding its way, giving the Broncos a chance next Wednesday to beat up on an East Division foe at home.

"Planting seeds"
The Broncos are No. 30 this week on The Bracketology Report national seeding chart. That should make Western Michigan a No. 8 seed, but because Vanderbilt can't be placed in this bracket position, the Broncos get a permissible bump to No. 7 and manage to sidestep an undesired 8/9 matchup. WMU is the only MAC team in the projected NCAA field at this time.

Western Michigan has won a lot of games, but its own profile is so-so. Its conference's profile is so-so, as well. The Broncos, who also project as an at-large team this week, likely will have to rely on a glittering road/neutral record to avoid dropping too far in the bracket.

Games of the Week

Western Michigan fans should root FOR and AGAINST the teams in ALL CAPS.